2
It had been a long time coming and Christmas was finally around the corner, Babbit relieved to say the least.
He had dropped hundreds and thousands of hints about what he really wanted for Christmas, even writing to Santa. If Santa couldn't come through then surely Papa could.
The village tree this year was mighty, colorful and Taddy had even let him put some high stuff on, holding the ladder carefully.
Then the fire brigade came and let them use the big ladder on the truck to reach the top, Ton placing the huge star on this year.
It was his first turn and Taddy held him tightly, helping by talking softly and encouraging him until it was there.
A wee bit wonky but then aren't we all.
Walter was taking photos and then Papa's car came roaring up the drive and everybody was finally home.
Babbit ran screaming, arms flailing as he reached for John and was lifted up into the air as John hooted with delight, then his Papa was kissing him and telling him how happy he was to see him.
It had been hard on both of them to be apart but John had cases to tidy up and Babbit knew it would mean the whole holidays together if he could be patient.
He had tried really hard but last night he had really missed him and spent the night in bed with Taddy and Daddy, crying for his favorite cuddle buddy.
Now John was here, Christmas was about to happen and when Daddy had said this morning that John was coming early to be here for Christmas eve stuff Babbit thought he might explode.
"Right" John looked carefully at his mini me, "We have a problem."
Babbit went still as he looked calmly at him with a raised eyebrow, looking like Ianto for a moment and John grinned.
"I have your gift."
Babbit squealed, wondering if he would get to see how big it was, maybe even the wrapping paper.
When John opened the trunk and Babbit saw the glass aquarium he started to squeal and run in small circles.
"It can't wait in a box for a few days so you can get it now" John said with glee.
Ianto saw and walked around to the trunk, his mouth falling open as he stared at the aquarium, then turned to look at John.
"What the hell is that?" Ianto demanded, pointing at the trunk.
"I told you I was getting Babs a lizard, remember?" John said as he maneuvered the glass tank out carefully.
"But … but .. a wee lizard doesn't need all that!" Ianto spluttered then stalled, his face changing as he started to glare.
"You bastard!" he hissed.
"BASTARD!" Ton screamed from behind Ianto, then ran for Jack screaming with glee.
Babbit was hyperventilating as John knelt with a small box, whispering for him to hold his hand out.
John placed a small green lizard in his palm and Babbit started to make a small keening noise as his eyes flicked for the lizard to Ianto.
"Well, what are you going to call it then" Ianto sighed as he gave in and Babbit gave a growl of triumph, then examined the little lizard for a while.
"He's just a baby" John said softly, "I was going to get you one bigger but they said that one this size will grow to be a better friend."
"I shall name him …. Bert!" Babbit declared and even John snorted.
"OK, welcome to the family Bert, may your life be a long one" Ianto muttered as he helped John carry the stuff inside.
The glass case was set up in Heck's office despite Babbit's protests. Once Ianto explained it was the only room Ton still respected Babbit saw the lizard as Ton might, a squeeze toy.
"When we go home and have a second tank, I will make sure it has secure latches so he can't get in after him, maybe even a wee habitat wall under the stairs" Ianto smiled, starting to build in his mind.
"Shit. Of course you will need two homes." John sighed,
"It's OK" Ianto placed a hand on his arm to reassure him, "It's what he wanted. He's happy. Everything else will fall into place. OK?"
Babbit was already on a chair rearranging the bits of wood and such that came with the aquarium, muttering to the lizard that Santa might bring some toys or something.
Ianto flew from the room as John leaned in to watch.
As the Spaceship rumbled down the lane with Ton screaming from his car seat John knew 'Santa' would find something for the newest family member.
