30th Christmas
Grandy was sad.
Everyone knew it and tried to make out it was ok. The fact Grandpa was here sitting quietly in a chair, telling the kids what the problem was straight away as they all looked past him as well, seeking G-Grandy then remembering he was gone.
Ianto was putting a brave face on things, this his first Christmas without his beloved Taddy there yelling "Teddy! Where did you get this!" at the top of his lungs while trying on the fifty third scarf or whatever as James groaned and scolded Eugene for his theatrics. Jack soon to follow suit with his own fluffing.
The kids were trying to be good, all trying to behave but I kid you not… that was damned near impossible when Monkey was involved… and CKH. Apparently… Monkey was a bad guy today. Lurking behind curtains, making weird noises and more than once making Imp thump him a bit and scold.
Jack was trying as well, the piano and singing had been loud, the playing with the kids outside loud and now as they sat opening gifts he was putting on a show that even Babs could not match.
"Dad?" Ton finally said softly "I … I got a gift by mistake."
"Hmm?"
Ton motioned Jack to follow him and once they were in the hallway Ton showed him the gift he had carefully unwrapped. "I got this one and now think it is wrong to give it to him. Am I being insensitive? You said you would tell me if I am stepping on toes. Angel says it's OK but she doesn't not always get it either."
Jack took the photograph of Ton's wedding day, a few years old now but one he had not seen before. Ton was with his grandparents, both men grinning as they held the mirror for Ton who was adjusting his crown.
Shit.
Jack stared at it and then at Ton "Wow."
"Curtis took it and I found it in the packet of photos from the day. Is it wrong?"
"No. No. It's perfect. Look at them, so happy. GrandTad will love it love." Jack swallowed thickly, "Maybe… maybe we can get it for the hallway here too? So when Taddy walks to his office they are smiling at him?"
"I hadn't thought of that" Ton looked at the photo again "Yeah. It's a good one of them right? And me!"
"Ton. You are so handsome and I see both of them in you. Mostly though, I see your father. My brother Gray. You look so much like him when you are being cheeky ya know? I love you Ton. My precious boy. I love you very much and I am so proud of you. Getting married, your career, the cake shop…and the way you help with Hawk is amazing, like another daddy to him. You know Tadda and I were talking about it the other night and the way you are helping Joy with little Laura is great too. You know… Taddy thinks you need to get more time with the littles over at the school. He thinks they really learn from you."
Ton looked pleased as he carefully rewrapped the gift and then sighed "But no babies for us."
"And what do you all those flying rat things your Taddy screams at all the time? Hmmm?"
Ton laughed as his sugar gliders were mentioned, knowing his Dad was right.
Angel and he were great parents to their little fluffs and there were enough babies for everyone. And no need to do nappies!