42

Ten had assured them that it would not harm Babbit if he had a small part, "it might even help his sense of self to be able to play the part of a girl. To be accepted and seen as such"

Babbit had a small part, only a few lines where as Walter was going to be a main character and he was so happy that he couldn't stop talking about it.

Eugene had stepped up to be their agent, much to Ianto's delight as this left him free with Ton.

The boys had taken to it with glee, Babbit coming home with the hair extensions and a grin so wide he made a show of holding his face together because he thought it might just explode with happiness.

He was pretty.

They put makeup on, fake nails and he was a little girl called Serena who cried a lot and was shy. She hid and needed cuddles while Walter was all shouty and manly and stuff, like Daddy.

Both boys were overjoyed to work together on some scenes and Eugene would come home with the story of the day, usually Babbit flouncing or Walter stealing the entire scene.

Ianto was sure that he was exaggerating but saw the pleasure in both children.

Thank the gods Walter didn't feel that Babbit was in his space.

It wasn't just Ton who was benefitting from this new arrangement as Stephen had more time to talk to Ianto and go over homework, or just cuddle.

"Taddy!" Babbit screamed as he entered, his dress making swishy noises as he ran, flicking his heels up to kick his butt. "I got another script bit!"

"Babs" Ianto smiled, "You are just in time for your school work!"

Ianto was homeschooling Babbit and it was proving beneficial with Babbit's schoolwork for the term almost complete a month ahead of schedule.

"Can I have the night off?" Babbit whimpered, "I just got my new script bit. I have a crying bit tomorrow and wanna go over it with Bert!"

"OK" Ianto sighed, smiling as he watched Babbit smile again and run off. The little bit part had turned into something bigger once the 'big wigs' saw him in action and decided that Babs would be a regular.

"Hey hon" Jack called out and Eugene turned to reply, gaining a laugh.

"How was the set today?" Jack asked as he kissed his father-in-law's cheek.

"Babbit never missed a mark and they only needed two takes. Walter was perfect, of course. They want to give him a singing part now they know he can play the guitar." Eugene gushed, "The network had picked up the rest of the season as well."

"Jesus" Ianto spluttered, "You are shitting me!"

"Nope. 'Give Me Hope' might even be award worthy" Eugene sniffed.

Babbit came out of the bedroom as Stephen closed his book and turned to address Ianto. "You need to check the tea, I smell it"

Ianto rose and went to the kitchen.

"Daddy, it was test day" Stephen whispered and Jack slapped his forehead, then bent over to kiss his son and whisper a thank you for the reminder.

Ianto came back out, "Another half hour and then I dish so you can start packing up if you like darling."

Stephen rose to do just that.

"So?" Jack asked "Owen his usual self?"

"Tosh is painting the kitchen" Ianto said with a soft smile, "They were worried that we might be offended. I said as long as the splashback stays because that was Rhia's. Does that sound silly?"

"No baby" Jack sighed and relaxed as Ianto didn't give bad news from his meeting with Owen.

No news is good news.

That's the deal.

"Taddy, I need …" Babbit came out and then sighed theatrically, "I need you to know they are cutting my extensions off. I told them about my hair getting cut and they want it in the show so I will have a haircut. OK?"

"Are you OK with that?" Ianto asked with surprise.

"Don't be silly Taddy. That's showbiz!" Babbit laughed, "They can glue more on."

Ianto went to dish, not sure how this had all happened so fast.