47

Ianto knew it would come to this, sitting silently as the studio bigheads settled themselves on his sofas and looked around at the family home.

"This is a lovely home, I've wondered what it looked like from the inside" one said as he watched Babs skip out of her bedroom with a feather boa wafting.

"Thank you. I renovated it so we could all fit" Ianto smiled, "Of course these kids we grew so I had to expand as well."

"You designed this?" a woman asked with interest.

"Architect" Ianto smiled, "Amongst other things."

"And the little ones in the photos?" a small man asked who stood at the mantelpiece looking at the framed pics and Ianto winced as he realized one of Noah was up there that he missed when he put the others away.

"That was Noah" Stephen said, plucking it out of the pile, "He's gone now. He wasn't needed anymore."

"Oh" the man looked at Stephen, "Where did he go?"

"What can I do for you" Ianto interrupted, "Because Tonny needs his bath."

"We wanted to make sure you were OK, we were appalled by what happened and wanted to assure you that we are doing all we can to ensure your safety" the oldest man said, "We were going to offer security but it seems like you have that covered."

"My brother and his partner." Ianto nodded at Idris and Gene who stood silently watching, "Hoodlum Clan, like me."

"Really?"

"From now on my children will be protected by family, I know you will need to do checks and such but from now on Hoodlums will accompany them." Ianto sighed, "And I will not stand for any negativity near them."

"Agreed"

"Also … thank you for coming personally. It means a lot to me that you came today" Ianto smiled politely, "I know you have better things to do."

Pleasantries were returned as they left, leaving behind a promise to allow Hoodlums on set with the children.

Ianto knew who he wanted there too, knowing Skiddy would be insulted if not asked.

With the house almost competed on the old site Ianto was about to give it away to Skidmark and his little family anyway. Now he could say it was for Skiddy's help, making sure his honor was intact and he wouldn't think it was a hand out.

The press hadn't worked out that Babs was transgender yet and Ianto was amazed tht someone hadn't leaked it.

He had gone over scenarios in his head, what to do, how to react but as time went by he became increasingly nervous about it.

It was only a matter of time.

He started to go over statements and contingency plans, wondering if it would be easier for Babs to just come out herself.

But this was not his call.

It was up to Babs.