52

Ianto was hesitant, walking between a large minivan and an SUV that looked like it belonged on some spy movie set somewhere. The minivan screamed Soccer Mom and the more Ianto looked at it the more it made his skin crawl to think of himself settling into a beige world.

No.

Couldn't do it.

Sorry.

The SUV looked sleek and shark-like, more something James Bond might drive if he had a family. Right? Ianto opened the side door and looked in, finding Mica already inside, sitting behind the driver's seat with a look of glee as she poked at the DVD player in the back of the driver's headrest. Ianto couldn't help it, "Cup holder love?"

"Yep" she popped the P Jones style as she beamed at him, "Can we have this one? It's not too much?"

"Actually darling, I was thinking it might be just what we can buy too" he replied, hearing her worry about the cost tore at him, one so little to worry about that. Means she was told more often than not something was unaffordable. Damn it. Why hadn't Rhiannon told him things had been so tight? Or maybe it was the new step-mother's influence. Either way, it was a thing of the past. She would never want for anything again.

Spoilt?

Yeah.

Rotten!

"Oh darling, what have you found" came Spoiler Number Two, "Oh, look. These cup holder things you wanted."

"Yeah, and look, the wee DVD player telly?" she said happily.

"Actually young lady, it's a computer. See down the side of the seat? That tablet can control things, see?" the salesman saw who would sway the adults and showed Mica how to bring up the key pad and use the TV screen like a computer monitor to surf the internet and she was enthralled. The DVD player mode was shown as well as a groovy compartment in the side of the vehicle like a wee locker bay.

Mica was sold, her look telling her Uncle she might die is he chose something else now. Ianto laughed softly as he asked to take it for a test drive. Make or break time. If it felt uncomfortable or too big he would have to break her heart but he knew as soon as it purred out into the road that it was all over bar the paperwork. Damned thing ate the road making Ianto feel more like he was in a low flying plane with the smoothness of the ride, Mica telling Quinn in the back that David had to go in the very back like a stinky dog.

Quinn cooed back at her, his little hands waving.

"Cheeky monkey" Ianto said softly and Gloria laughed, feeling the plush seats that were more comfortable than her limo's.

"It is lovely darling" she assured him, "Feels so safe. Those impact bar thingies and all the air bags? Goodness, even tested with a tank?"

"I don't know if that was true or just salesman spew" Ianto replied "It did sound impressive though, didn't it Mama."

Gloria giggled as she patted his knee, looking over at all the dials and readings on the dash, "Goodness, good thing you seem capable of flying this plane, you might give CJ a run for the Captain title."

Ianto laughed happily, his hand closing over hers, then bringing it up for a soft kiss to the palm, something Sergeant used to do when they were driving and the simple action was almost overwhelmingly sweet as she felt her heart swell.

"Well" he said with a theatrical sigh as he did a U Turn and headed back to the yard, "I just don't know."

Mica whimpered like a little puppy dog, her eyes wide as she stared in the rear view mirror, her pout amazing. Ianto giggled softly and Gloria turned to witness it. "Oh darling, look at that wee face. How can you say no. Come on, we may have to buy it for her."

Ianto shared a loving glance with Gloria and then shrugged, "Oh I guess so. It will do I suppose."

Mica screamed with glee as Ianto laughed and Gloria reached out again, this time to pat his shoulder affectionately, unable to show her affection in the usual way a mother does until now. This was all so new to her. CJ and Gray had never been cuddly children, so much like their father with blustering and manly ways. Ianto's soft feminine side called to her and the desire to cuddle him was overwhelming. It felt lovely actually, to know she could if she wanted to. Just walk over and cuddle him, his return hug always there.

"Right then, we just need to pick a leather colour" Ianto said as he slid out and Mica canted her head. Ianto realised her confusion, "Oh no love, This is the shop model. The one for people to look at. We choose from pictures and swatches what colour and extra added stuff, then they order it in like handmade shoes and stuff. We can have one made just for us."

"With…" her eyes widened, "Pink?"

"I think your brothers will die if I force them to travel in a pink one love" Ianto roared with mirth, "I was thinking of black outside or maybe that darkest blue and a power blue interior. Like that pillow you cuddle in the TV room that is super fluffy. Looks like an alien in disguise."

"Oh! I like that colour too" she said happily, "OK. That will do."

Gloria giggled as Ianto artfully manipulated the child to choosing the colours he had already picked out, making the vehicle her choice as well. She wondered if he would change something if the child objected, then snorted at herself.

Of course he would.

He would buy a bright pink and yellow polka dot one if the wee girl had been upset about it.

If she hadn't got her own cheque book out first.

Not spoilt.

No, definitely not spoilt. Just….well…loved.

Gloria hurried after them, wanting to make sure the computer thingies were not forgotten in the order. One for each seat might be a good idea. The boys would need their own ones, right?