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They had settled back into their routines and soon it seemed like it was all forgotten.
Of course, he knew things were vastly different now, his two middle children about to become household names and the fear of rejection on their behalf was crushing. Especially Babs.
Premiere night and they all settled in the village, determined to be somewhere safe from unwanted questions just yet.
In an act of rebellion Walter had invited the Hallets and they both sat nervously holding hands as they watched the family settle.
Opening credits and there it was.
Walter Hallet Harkness-Jones as Henderson Pine
Walter burst into tears as he clung to Jack, pointing at the screen as an image of him appeared, laughing for the camera.
Then towards the end of the credits came Babbit and everyone held their breath.
Barbara Harkness-Jones
"Barbara" John said softly and Babbit grinned.
"Barbara, Babs for short" he gushed, That's my name!"
"I love it" Ianto said after a moment, "It's so … you!"
Babbit hummed as Bathy hugged him and squealed.
The phone began to ring as the closing credits rolled and Eugene started fielding calls as Babbit stood in front of the TV with Walter, hugging each other tightly.
"Walter, you are so handsome up there" Babbit gushed, "My big brother is a star!"
"Taddy always said so' Walter grinned, "And you cried so well when the dog dies."
"I remembered losing my curls" Babbit shrugged, "Do you think my name looked OK? I was worried. What if people don't know it's me?"
"Then I shall tell them" Walter assured him, "I think we both deserve ice-cream for that Babsy!"
"I agree Walty bum!" Babbit said pompously, then giggled as they ran to the kitchen where Bets was still trying not to cry with pride.
Ianto didn't bother with all that as he sat weeping silently, still so pleased that his babies had done it.
Walter had been in three scenes, Babbit one.
His babies were stars.
Ianto felt so proud he wondered if anyone ever died of a happy heart.
Walter and Babs came back in with ice-creams for the other children and then went back for more.
They settled to eat and talk about the strange life they seemed to be settling into, Ianto watching Babs flick some hair back with a feminine shake of his head and smiled.
"You look beautiful" Ianto said softly, "Those extensions are so real."
"Yes!" Babbit gushed, "Funny to have straight hair though. I miss my curls."
"They'll grow back baby" Ianto said softly, "You will always have lovely hair."
Babbit sighed happily as he agreed.
The photo stills from the shots Walter took on set were scattered across the coffee table.
He was so proud of them.
