48
Ianto was fussing around the stove when Walter came home, throwing his bag across the room to slam into the counter near him. Ianto turned slowly to glare at his son who had the decency to look startled that it was not his husband there but his Tad.
"Tad! What are you doing here?" he demanded, on the back foot immediately.
"Taxidermy" Ianto replied with a frown, then sighed "Clearly you can see I am cooking tea. Curtis is upstairs if you want to throw something at him but I would rather you didn't. That level of annoyance is not good in front of the kids. If you had a bad day, you need to leave it at the door with your outside shoes that…. Oh Walter! You have your boots on in the house!"
Walter looked down at his boots, crusted with mud from the outside shoot and then at the little trail from the back door and he felt anger as he looked at his father "Tad. This is my house. I will wear fucking muddy boots if I want to."
Ianto took a sharp intake of breath then frowned "Have you been drinking?"
"A few after work drinks" Walter said with a sniff "Some of the cast and crew. To unwind."
"Really? Any in particular?" Ianto asked as he stirred the stew then placed it back in the oven, "You need to shower if you are going to make the…"
"What are you here for" Walter repeated "You are always here. I mean … this is my house. I know Curty appreciates your help but seriously. You have your own house just over there and after a long week I would rather spend time here with my family."
"I know" Ianto started to explain "Why I am here. You see Curt…"
"You don't see! Christ Tad. You are like some stalker sometimes. Or fucksake. Go home. Give us a night off for the love of the Gods. If we need you … we will call. Pease just stop being here!"
"No, Walt. Listen … I need to…"
"Stop!" Walt barked "You are smothering me. Us. You need to leave us alone!"
Ianto's face betrayed his hurt then he slammed it down, the face Walter knew so well now looking back. The mask. Shit. Walter was slightly unsteady on his feet and he wondered if he had gone too far, looking back and finding he might have been a bit harsh there. "Taddy…I…"
"No. No, you are right. Your house. Your family. I have mine. I will go … and I will be sure not to 'stalk' over here again. You are welcome at mine anytime … OK? Fine" Ianto snarled, his hands shaking and too late Walter saw the anger and hurt in his Taddy's stilted motions.
As Ianto slid out the door to storm home he uttered that word that told Walter he had indeed fucked up royally this time.
"Whatever!"
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Am posting tonight instead of in the morning as tomorrow is going to be a mad day of working from 6am to 5.30pm … will be relieved when the Christmas extras are done with and work calms down.