6

Water stood waving to the cameras as they prepared to go inside, Toshiko standing back with Jack as Ianto and Babs stood behind Walter. Curtis held his hand and looked lovingly at him to show he didn't' believe the sexual claims, then they went inside.

They let the studio go first … of course. Why argue when someone wants to give you more rope to hang them with? Hmmm? Toshiko listened, worked in her laptop and made small noises as new things were brought up that weren't in discovery. George pointed this out each time and then would say "But we will allow it" before sitting down with a look of satisfaction guaranteed to confuse the other team.

Then it was their turn.

Toshiko clicked a button to turn on the large screen on the wall and George started to speak. He read each allegation and the date/time. Then they watched the studio's footage provided. Then Toshiko's. Over and over and over .. the studio looking sick by the time it got to the trashing incident clearly showing Dale ransacking the trailer, spreading the drug implements from his own pockets to plant and even him wanking off to Walter's picture. Oh Toshiko … naughty. Ianto hid the annoyance as this was not agreed to … he didn't like to be crass. But …well … it was funny.

Then they settled and looked at the team with interest.

"Wait" their legal head stood "We… were unaware of this footage, they entered this without discovery and we object to…"

Your honour, we did not object to ANY of theirs and ours if clearly just adding to theirs so .. it doesn't count as new evidence, just an addition to an already accepted exhibit number right? Not like it's new … they were the one supplying the times and dates." George didn't even get out of his chair as he called this out. "Besides … it's already been seen now! This is clearly footage that needs to be show to everyone.. given the fact Dale has made allegations against my client that can only be denied with proof… proof the refute the proof given by the studio … they cannot in good faith say our footage is better or worse than theirs… of course… the wanking is a bit risqué … his choice to do that. I would like at this time add that my client will NOT want his trailer back now … he will accept the cost of it since he paid for it… it's contaminated now. "

Silence.

"I think … I think we need time to regroup here" an exec said softly "Ah… this is … ah…"

"Recess" the judge boomed "One hour."

"Good" Ianto said under his breath "I'm hungry."

As they filed out Walter did not look at his ex-friends once, walking with the team that backed him to the cafeteria where the press were waiting and overjoyed when he settled in their midst to chat with them, allowing some fan shots as well as some of Walter and Curtis being loved up, caring and clearly not upset. When one asked Walter how it was going (Mayyyyyyybe Imp's aunty? And ah…mayyyyyybe Ianto had given her a signal that it was time? Who know…eh?) He smiled and politely told everyone he was already looking forward to going home and starting his new life, away from those who were spoiling something that was important to a lot of people. His fans deserved more … he was going to make sure come hell or high water they would get what they deserved for all their loyalty.

"Don't you worry … I will soon be making my own announcements and maybe even have an open day in my village for you to all come and have a picnic, see my family … report back that this has not broken me. I am hurt, I will admit that but… the love of my people is keeping me for bleeding everywhere. Their harts keep mine beating" Walter paused for effect and winked "You have got to have Hope!"

General laughter as they saw him playing, many writing furiously to catch the evening presses. This man was amazing.

Ianto nodded to Toshiko who slipped her footage to several of them as well.

Just for shits and giggles.

Snigger