9

Ianto knew he had agreed but it still felt… awful.

He sat with the lawyer watching his ex-parentals file in and he was relieved to see the little one was not with them. Some mild decorum then? Or did they leave her so she would not hear them shout?

"Right, mister and missus Livingstone, let us begin by agreeing that this will be a civil meeting?" George asked, looking from them to Ianto like there was a need for the question. Ianto looked at him gratefully and nodded. "Right. We are here at the request of Mister Jones. Your Father, Missus Livingstone. He wants some clarity before he passes so there is no animosity at his wake."

"Oh my poor Taddy" she sobbed, falling against her husband as Ianto muttered 'Forfucksake' under his breath.

"Right. He has decided his own funeral and wake, he has chosen the music, food and guests. He has set times and events in place and these are non-negotiable"

Nods.

"Ianto… as his son, you are to do the eulogy."

"Grandson" came a quick shot across the bow.

"Ifan adopted Ianto after you signed away all parental rights to him … after the false sexual assault allegations were made remember? He is legally your brother now madam" George took more delight in telling her that than he thought he would, a small grin to show it before continuing "And since Ianto is the one caring for him and providing comfort in his final days he has made Ianto the executor of his living will."

"Forfucksake" Ianto said again, rubbing his face.

"Stop that!" his father scolded "you know that is a disgusting habit, I hate when you say that like a mantra."

"Fuck you."

"OK, let us NOT speak directly to one another then, hmm?" George said, letting things settle as he was well aware of the possibility that Ianto might bolt at any time and he had instructions to end the meeting if the boy got upset.

"What does Taddy want?" came a weak sniffle.

"He wants Ianto in charge, things done his way and if you cause a distraction or mess in any way then you are cut out of the will…" George held up his hand as the two opened their mouths to roar with horror "He is extremely clear. Ianto's show. You either do as you are told and let it all go nicely or zilch… zippo… zero … in the will. You get it? You behave and we shall see. One step out of line between today and the reading of his will after the event is done with… and you forfeit everything. If you challenge the will or Ianto… you get nothing. If you kick off at the wake and upset Ianto… you get nothing. You make me pissy in my old age… nothing."

Ianto hid the grin as the old man glared at the couple, then said "Good. You can piss off now until then, he does not want you at his house upsetting his boy as you swan about pretending to care. If you come to the house again, he will have you trespassed. He said to say that he will have you shot but I think that's the morphine talking."

Ianto looked at the wall as he tried to school his features but his mother knew that technique meant he was amused and she leaned forward to hiss at him "This is you. Spiteful little fucker. Isn't it… you did this. Tell me… do you give him a hand-job while you sponge bath him too?"

"STELLA" Ianto's father shot to his feet and seized his wife's arm. He dragged her towards the door "Stop it. That' s enough, stop it. We have to hold it back, come on love, swallow it back. Until after the will reading, yeah? Swallow."

"Yeah… he probably spits" she screamed before the door shut and Ianto blinked, and then started to laugh.

George let his head hit the desk as he listened to the ranting outside "Forfucksake. Oh I see why you use it, quite a violent expulsion."

"Yeah, like a verbal head butt I think" Ianto was still laughing softly as he rubbed at his face "Christ on a pogo stick. That poor little girl."

"Don't' worry, I am looking into in the legalities of that too… I have a feeling they are up to their old scams there… I will check it out with that lovely little Toshiko." George rose, patting the boy whom he loved like one of his own grandkids on the shoulder. He had known Ianto so long, loved him for so long as well… not that he would ever tell him. Love is not a kind word to his ears I am afraid.

Not when it always came with conditions.

Mind you… Ifan had been talking about that nice piece of fluff called Jack lately, seems Ianto is looking at him in a new light and maybe… maybe Ifan might get his wish before he dies to see Ianto finally grow into the man he was destined to be.

A man on his own terms.