28

"Advice is always good, even if you don't like it"

Bruce was looking at all the pictures on the wall of Ianto's inner office, the quotes stuck under them with blutack. It was obvious that Ton was laying out his book and considering photos for quotes. Bruce crouched as he read some and Ianto tried to ignore him as he searched for Lovey Bug's binky that he knew was in there somewhere.

"So … you think this is publishable?"

"Yes" Ianto replied as he got onto his hands and knees and peered under a chair, and then made a noise of delight, reaching under to pull out the bright pink binky.

"Well, I really don't know about these things but … are you going to your publisher with this or will you shop around" Bruce settled in a chair, "I know the easy thing would be to go to the company that you and Walt use already, after all it's family but … this is a different style and maybe you should look into other publishers that might specialise in coffee table books. They might market them differently or something."

Ton listened in the doorway, watching his father's back tighten and he knew he was annoyed with Bruce for giving advice on something when he had already made up his mind.

"I understand where you are coming from but this is not about making money Bruce" Ianto settled to face him, the binky still in his hand, "This is about Ton's vision. He wants to be like me and Walt. He wants his book published like mine are. Like Walt's book of photos from the show was. That gift from Walt to me that Christmas set the little mind in motion, seeing the studio setting, the set shots and Walt's natural flare in a book form showed Ton that sharing your talent is important. I also know my delight in the gift told him it was the right thing to do."

"So … you will stick with your publisher" Bruce nodded, "I understand."

"My books have my publisher's press logo. Walt's does as well. So will Ton's. Like you said … family. Ton knows the publicist, he knows the people from the company who come to visit. I do not intend stirring that pot." Ianto smiled softly to show there was not annoyance "I know you want the best for him too. I am glad you are friends."

"Not exactly conventional ones but …. He's a great kid. Ianto … I envy you. What a life you have carved out for yourself" Bruce admitted and Ianto sighed softly.

Ton listened with interest as his father whispered "Sometimes, the blood sweat and tears are needed … so your children never have to walk the path you stumbled to get them here."

"I hear you" Bruce answered softly "Your book on parenting an LGBT child is … enlightening."

"Did it help?"

"Yeah … yeah. I think she has forgiven me for my reactions and I might have forgiven myself too."

Ton turned to wander off, thinking about that.

Books really help.