27
"Never judge a book by its picture on the front"
Bruce was talking softly to Imp and then Ianto watched as Imp rose and led him to the piano, both sitting to play. Bruce started out easy with the child, both of them enjoying themselves then Bruce decided to show off, showing the child that he could really play.
Imp gave the polite smile and showed Bruce that he was pissing in the wind as the little maestro swung into one of his original pieces and Bruce sat with his mouth open as those long slender fingers flew across the ivories. Imp played like the natural that he was.
The last note died and Imp turned to Bruce "Of course, Taddy made up the song to go with that but I can't sing it as well as he can."
"Song" Bruce repeated.
"Yes. Taddy writes music too. He hides it, like most things. He hides his gifts. He taught me about music and stuff, same as he did with Walt. But it's Taddy that writes songs. He writes lovely ones but never sings then to people. Taddy says he doesn't do it to show off or to share, he does it to get it out ... whatever that means."
Bruce looked over at the man watching them silently, as he usually does.
"You sing?"
Ianto canted his head "You've never watched the Christmas Specials, eh?"
Bruce looked at Walter who rose and reached for his guitar by the piano, "Taddy? Want yours too?"
Now they were talking.
Imp began to play another original piece, one he knew the words to and as his Taddy started to sing in a low baritone he joined in with his soft angelic voice. As the song picked up and Ianto's voice changed to a demanding tone, lightening and then suddenly flying away with Imp Bruce sat in silent shock at the beauty he was hearing.
Then Walter joined in.
It was a display of talent with Ton's voice harmonising perfectly with Walt's. Jack took the chorus as well, then would fall silent as he enjoyed his family. Their voices lovely, Babs in the background providing an eerie version that seemed to wind though the stronger voices and as it ended Bruce was on his feet with his hands clasped together.
"Why the hell did you never release an album or two? Holy shit, even I have done a record and this …. This blows me away. You are all so talented and so…so …god. I would listen to that all day."
"Don't be silly" Ton laughed as he shook his head "Impy's fingers would get tired if he had to play for you that long."
Bruce laughed as he gently embraced the child then turned to ask Imp for a hug too, knowing he was like his Taddy and not always welcoming to a hug.